How to catch fleas manually? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed comb or a damp cloth to sweep the pet’s coat, trapping fleas on the comb or cloth, then transfer them onto adhesive tape or a small container. Repeat the procedure each day until no insects remain.
How to catch fleas manually? - in detail
Capturing fleas without chemicals requires a systematic approach that targets the insects at each stage of their life cycle.
First, prepare the environment. Reduce humidity by running a dehumidifier or opening windows, because low moisture levels limit flea survival. Vacuum all carpeted areas, upholstery, and cracks in flooring. Immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash container. This removes adult fleas, larvae, and eggs that have already fallen from the host.
Second, create a physical trap. Place a shallow dish of warm water in a dark corner of the room. Add a few drops of dish soap; the soap reduces surface tension, causing fleas that jump into the water to sink. Position a small incandescent lamp or a bright LED light above the dish. Fleas are attracted to heat and light, and they will move toward the source, eventually falling into the water.
Third, employ a fine-toothed comb. Dampen a pet’s fur with a light mist of water, then run a flea comb slowly from the head to the tail, brushing each stroke back toward the comb. The comb’s teeth catch adult fleas and immature stages. After each pass, wipe the comb on a damp paper towel and discard the towel. Repeat the process daily for at least one week to break the reproductive cycle.
Fourth, use a manual capture tool. A small, transparent plastic container with a lid and a narrow opening works well. Approach a flea on the floor or on a pet, then quickly place the container over the insect and seal it. Transfer the captured flea to a sealed bag for later disposal.
Finally, maintain vigilance. Inspect bedding, pet sleeping areas, and floor seams every 24 hours. Remove any newly found fleas using the comb or container method. Continue the routine for three weeks, the typical length of the flea life cycle, to ensure complete eradication.
By combining environmental preparation, light‑and‑water traps, combing, and direct capture, it is possible to eliminate fleas manually without resorting to insecticides.